Eric D Crandall

Eric D. Crandall, PhD, of State College, PA died on Saturday, August 17th, 2024, at age 47. He was born on September 5th, 1976, in Tehran, Iran where his parents practiced law. He was the son of the late Stephen A. Crandall and Susan Emlet Crandall of San José, CA. On June 9th, 2001, in a redwood grove in Berkeley, CA, he married the love of his life, Sharifa G. Crandall, PhD.
Eric's curiosity and deep connection to the natural world led him to pursue a career in the life sciences. After graduating in 1994 from Del Mar High School in San Jose, CA, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1998. During Eric's senior year, he participated in an intensive field research course in Moorea, French Polynesia where his calling and commitment to research in invertebrate marine ecology and evolution solidified. Eric went on to pursue a doctorate degree from Boston University in 2008 and, as a post-doctoral scholar, led marine biodiversity conservation projects in Santa Cruz, CA, Manila, Philippines, and Bali, Indonesia.
He started an Assistant Professor position at the California State University, Monterey Bay in 2016 and most recently, in 2021, an Assistant Research Professor position at The Pennsylvania State University. Eric was a devoted mentor and advocate for underrepresented voices in the life sciences. He founded TaMIS Life Sciences (Toward a More Inclusive Science), an initiative that promotes justice, diversity, equity and inclusion for underrepresented students, faculty, and staff. Beyond work, Eric loved to play soccer and the piano with his daughter, read science fiction, attend live music concerts, travel, hike, and raid the snack cabinet.
Along with his mother and wife, Eric is survived by his daughter, Mira Y. Crandall; his sister, Lydia Crandall and her husband, Brandon McFarlane of San José, CA; his brother in-law, Arif Gulamhussein and his wife, Melissa Gulamhussein of Hayward, CA; nephews, Evan and Damon McFarlane; nieces, Liana and Caitlin Gulamhussein; and his beloved cats Billy and Gnarly. He will be fondly remembered for his kind, gentle demeanor and dry sense of humor.
The family will have a Celebration of Life for Eric at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-dr-eric-crandall
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc. of Centre Hall. To share memories and condolences online, please visit daughenbaughs.com.